Names of New Ulm Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct to be Released

Attorneys for a man suing the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Winona on Monday will release the names of New Ulm priests accused of sexual misconduct, according to the deposition of a retired New Ulm priest.

In a press release, attorney Jeff Anderson announced that following a hearing in Ramsey County District Court Monday morning, his office will "release a deposition transcript of Father Francis Garvey, a priest and former top official of the Diocese of New Ulm. Father Garvey identified Diocese of New Ulm priests accused of sexual misconduct."

Late last week, Archbishop John Nienstedt flatly denied any knowledge of abusive priests during his tenure as Bishop of New Ulm. When asked if he had ever knowingly had a priest in the diocese that was accused of sexual abuse during his time as Bishop, Niensted's answer was simple and direct: No.

What is not known is whether any of the accusations of misconduct occurred during Nienstedt's time as Bishop in New Ulm.